Land Training Back to the Water COVID-19 Guidance

Phase 3 Pubilshed 10th July 2020

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Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….…. 1.0 Introduction 2

Section 1 Guidance for Coach-led Land Training Sessions …………………...…. 2.0 Guidance for Coach-led Land Training Sessions 2 2.1 Level of coach 2

2.2 Safety 3

2.2.1 Pre-session considerations : 3

2.2.2 Consider the outdoor environment that is being used 4

2.2.3 Consider the athletes to attend 4

2.2.4 Consider the equipment being used 5

2.3 Safeguarding 5

Section 2 Scottish Government and sportscotland Guidance...…………..…...... 3.0 Scottish Government & sportscotland guidance 6 3.1 Introduction 6

3.2 Before Participating 6

3.3 Organised Outdoor Sport for Children 7

3.4 Adult involvement and ratios 8

3.5 Guidance for coaches 8

3.6 FACTS Guidance 12

Section 3 Disclaimer….……………….………………………………..…………..…...... 4.0 Disclaimer 13

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1.0 Introduction The following guidance sets out how a coach on behalf of a club can deliver land-based training and ensure that they are operating within Scottish Swimming’s parameters and the club is covered by their Scottish Swimming insurance policy for this activity. As we progress out of lockdown it is important to bear in mind the phased approach to the opening up of opportunities to exercise with our team mates. We are all looking forward to getting back to training within our clubs, which we know is a hugely important part of our sport. Land-based training opportunities are now permitted outdoor as long as the Scottish Government physical distancing guidelines are met. https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ Please find detailed in 3.0 the latest sportscotland and Scottish Government Guidance around Phase 3 restrictions effective from 10 July 2020. 2.0 Guidance for Coach-led Land Training Sessions 2.1 Level of Coach Coaches should only deliver activity for which they are trained. In all of the instances below, coaches should apply good coaching practice. They should risk assess the activity, ensuring that it is appropriate for the developmental stage of participants and also take into account the fact that they will need to maintain current Scottish Government set physical distancing from athletes and athletes need to do so from each other. Adjustments should be made accordingly

a. Coaches with a recognised land training or strength and conditioning qualification These coaches can deliver land training activity as long as they risk assess the activity appropriately, ensure as far as possible safe practice on behalf of the participant and work within the level for which they are trained.

b. Coaches with a recognised aquatic qualification (but not a land training qualification) It is clear that non-pool activity is going to be the main form of training for participants at this time. If the coach has been educated to deliver pre and post pool dryland activity then they can use this in their training, ensuring that they deliver appropriate technique and ensuring that the volume and intensity is within healthy limits for the participant.

c. Coaches with no recognised qualification These individuals should not be delivering land-training content.

d. Activity outside of the scope of the qualification If the coach wants to utilise techniques that are out of the scope of their qualification then ideally they would use a person with a relevant qualification to deliver this as per (a). If this is not possible, then they could refer the participant (or their parent if Under-18) to relevant and reputable content available elsewhere. There will be content available on the relevant groups on Scottish Swimming’s HIVE Learning platform with links to reputable sources of further content. It should be made clear to the participant / parent that the club, coach and Scottish Swimming accept no liability for any injury or issue arising from following such content.

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2.2 Safety Safety of the participant must be paramount. Delivering sessions outdoors can bring extra challenges that should be addressed. The following guidelines should be considered.

Before commencing any session: 2.2.1 Pre-Session considerations:

• We strongly recommend the coach visit the chosen venue prior to the first training

session. This will aid session planning, suitability and health & safety considerations.

• The coach must ensure that they are allowed to use the outdoor space and has

acquired the relevant permit for this if necessary.

• Risk assessments should be carried out and documented at all sites. Consider

safety first, particularly minimising the risk of infection/transmission.

• Appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures must be put in place to

ensure participants, staff and volunteers are always protected.

• Coaches should plan appropriately for the session in advance, be aware of

responsibilities, be clear on expectations with participants and build in a review period to reflect on effectiveness and safety of the session.

• Coaches should stick to the guidelines with regards to the number of athletes and

households and carefully consider their workload if they are expected to run multiple sessions per day (online and in person).

• Clearly outline the session timings to athletes and highlight that athletes / parents are

responsible before and after these set times.

• Consider how athletes will get to the venue, can you group the athletes by locality to

limit transport requirements.

• Cleaning, hand, and respiratory hygiene are core measures and provision should be

made for these. Clear guidance and plans are needed for cleaning of equipment and waste disposal. Note that toilets and other washing facilities may not be available. Detailed guidance is available at;

www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/web-resources-container/covid-19-guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings/

www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/hand-hygiene/

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2.2.2 Consider the outdoor environment that is being used:

• What is the ground like, is it suitable for the activities being undertaken? • Is the training area safe and free from intrusion from others? • Is the weather appropriate, is there enough shade from the sun, plan of action in

case of rain/heavy rain? • Can the athletes be seen and supervised effectively?

2.2.3 Consider the athletes to attend:

• People who are shielding are permitted to undertake activities providing strict physical distancing is adhered to (see 3.2). People who are symptomatic should self-isolate for 7 days: household members for 14 days as per info on NHS guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend an outdoor sports activity.

• Coaches should ensure appropriate coach:participant ratios and have no more than

14 participants per coach in any land-training session. For more detail on maximum numbers see 3.5.

• Communication with participants is important and participants should know what to

do before / during / after attending their coached session.

• The coach must ensure that those taking part are sufficiently fit and healthy to

participate in the activity including considering any pre-existing medical conditions that athletes may have and if in any doubt, we recommend they do not train. If a participant has recovered from COVID-19 we strongly recommend they receive a medical check up to ensure they are fit to train before they start.

• Consider the condition of athletes who may not have trained fully for some time – we

strongly recommend a gradual return to training with particular attention taken to avoid unnecessary injuries through doing too much too soon.

• The coach must agree any necessary measure to ensure physical distancing is

adhered to and reduce the possibility of virus transmission. This should be communicated to athletes before the first session, at the start of all sessions and during sessions as necessary. This must also be documented within the risk assessments.

• Encourage any parents / guardians to adhere to social distancing guidelines whilst

the session is taking part

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• It must be noted that all participants must be members of Scottish Swimming for insurance purposes. Any non-members engaged in the activities will render the insurance for the entire group void.

2.2.4 Consider the equipment being used:

• Athletes should bring their own equipment and should not share it. It should be cleaned thoroughly before and after use.

• Is the equipment safe and appropriate to be used in the environment? Please note,

dangerous equipment must be avoided (e.g. garden trampolines).

• Can it be transported safely, and securely?

• Equipment (e.g. balls) cannot be thrown or passed between athletes due to the risk

of virus transmission.

• Ensure appropriate clothing is worn by athletes including suitable footwear, no

jewellery etc.

• The coach and participants should stay hydrated and remember to use appropriate sun-protection including sun-cream, caps etc.

2.3 Safeguarding

As with any other form of coaching, implementing good safeguarding practice is extremely important to protect the coach and the participant. All usual safeguarding considerations should be taken into account. In addition, the following guidelines should be followed:

All clubs and coaches must operate in a safe and effective manner in accordance with the Scottish Swimming insurance policy and Wellbeing & Protection Policy: Children & Young People Policies and Procedures, which are still in operation.

The club Wellbeing & Protection Officer (WPO) must be aware of the training that is being undertaken, undertake risk assessments, and give guidance as appropriate. This should include assessing that the venue, activity and supervision is appropriate from a safeguarding point of view.

Coaches should ensure they do not put themselves in compromising positions, in particular ensuring that they are never left one-to-one with an under-18 year old athlete.

Report child safeguarding concerns immediately to your designated WPO or Scottish Swimming’s safeguarding officer Lindsey Booth (l.booth@scottishswimming.com, 07832117491).

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3.0 Scottish Government & sportscotland guidance 3.1 Introduction Clubs and participants should be aware that the easing of restrictions does not mean that all facilities/venues will open immediately. Owners and operators will require time to consider all the implications of opening facilities/venues and put plans in place to re-engage staff and to set up operations that ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. This is a difficult time for everyone so please be patient. These guidelines should be read in conjunction with any updated Scottish Government guidance on health, physical distancing and hygiene. Facility operators, clubs and participants should be aware of and should be ready to adapt to changes in guidance at short notice. Information on the Scottish Government’s approach to managing COVID-19 is available at Scottish Government: Coronavirus in Scotland Guidance. Risk assessments should be carried out and documented for all activities and facilities. Consider safety first, particularly minimising the risk of infection/transmission and following Scottish Government guidance regarding health, hygiene, travel, and physical distancing. Risk Assessment guidance and templates can be found on the Scottish Swimming website and at: Health Protection Scotland: General guidance for non-healthcare settings

UK Government / HPE: Cleaning in a non-healthcare setting

Health Protection Scotland: Hand hygiene techniques

3.2 Before Participating

• These guidelines should be read in conjunction with any updated Scottish Government guidance on health, physical distancing, and hygiene. Participants should be aware of and adapt to changes in guidance at short notice. Information on the Scottish Government’s approach to managing COVID-19 is available at Scottish Government: Coronavirus in Scotland Guidance.

• People who are shielding are permitted to undertake activities providing strict physical distancing is adhered to. Further information is available at Scottish Government: COVID-19 Shielding support & contacts.

• People who are symptomatic should self-isolate for 7 days and household members for 14 days as per NHS guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend an outdoor sports facility/activity.

IMPORTANT: Do not leave your home to undertake exercise or outdoor activity if Scottish Government advice means you should stay at home because you or someone you live with has or has had symptoms of COVID-19.

• Travel restrictions outlined by the Scottish Government should always be adhered to. Further information is available at; Travel & Meeting Others Outdoors

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• At all times, participants should adhere to the Scottish Government’s physical distancing guidelines of staying at least 2m away from others. It is advisable to check the Scottish Swimming & Sport Scotland websites regularly as guidance will be updated in line with changes from the Scottish Government.

3.3 Organised Outdoor Sport for Children

• Organised outdoor sport specific activity can be undertaken by children and young people from the 13 July, with a phased implementation, subject to SGBs agreeing guidance with sportscotland covering the following;

• All sports organisations providing children’s activity must abide by relevant SGB guidance and have a named ‘Covid Officer’ who will complete documented risk assessments and ensure all appropriate mitigations are put in place by the sports organisation before any children’s outdoor activity is undertaken.

• Physical distancing;

o Children aged 11 years and younger are not required to physically distance, as set out in Scottish Government guidance. This extends to organised sports activity and the field of play.

o For older children aged 12-17 a ‘field of play bubble’ can be created during organised sports activity that allows contact whilst the activity is taking place, in effect suspending physical distancing guidelines for the duration of the activity. Normal physical distancing guidelines will however apply before and after the activity takes place.

o Coaches and other adults supporting organised activity should attempt to keep physically distant where possible, but it is recognised that this will not always be possible. In such circumstances the club ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment.

o Where an employee is providing an activity, relevant work placed risk assessments and consultation should take place in advance of any activity being undertaken. See the Businesses, workplaces and self -employed people section at Scottish Govt: Covid-19

o Parents/guardians who are supervising their children should abide by Scottish Government physical distancing guidance and stay at least 2m away from those out with their own household. Groups of parents from different households should not congregate before, during or after the activity.

• Health, safety & hygiene measures for children’s activity should be in line with guidance provided within this document.

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• In the event of first aid treatment being required it is recognised that a suitably qualified coach/supervising adult may require to attend to a child. The sports organisation ‘Covid Officer’ should consider processes for managing this as part of the risk assessment. This could include but not be limited to;

o Provision of suitable PPE o Training of coaches/supervising adults o Presence of one parent/guardian being required at the activity

o Health, safety & hygiene measures for children’s activity should be in line with guidance provided within this document.

• Participant numbers and duration of organised activity;

o Where there is likely to be close contact between children in an organised sporting activity mitigation should be put in place to minimise risk and keep participants safe.

o The focus should be on delivering the organised activity with as few participants as possible interacting with each other and for the minimum amount of time, whilst still allowing the activity to be run effectively.

o The focus of activity at this stage should be non-competitive, essentially a return to training. No competition, matches or other activity between sporting clubs/organisations should be arranged.

3.4 Adult involvement and ratios

• All adults involved in coaching / actively engaging with children in an organised environment should have undertaken appropriate SGB safeguarding and, where available, Covid-19 training.

• Sports organisations should always ensure appropriate ratios of coach/adult to child as per SGB guidance and follow all related safeguarding advice.

Health, safety and welfare policies should always be risk assessed and implemented.

3.5 Guidance for Coaches

• It is the responsibility of each venue operator, club and coach to ensure documented risk assessments, based on local circumstances, are completed prior to any activity taking place. Consider safety first, particularly focusing on minimising the risk of infection/transmission. Appropriate measures must be put in place to ensure participants, staff and volunteers are protected at all times.

Please note there is no date set for the reopening of indoor gym and leisure facilities.

• Coaches should not deliver training to more than 4 households (or extended households) at any one time or provide coaching to more than 4 households (or extended households) per day, unless coaching children as per the guidance above.

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• A maximum of 15 people, including the coach and participants from up to 4 other households (or extended households), can participate in a session, unless coaching children as per the guidance above. Physical distancing and hygiene measures must be fully implemented and maintained.

• Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance between themselves.

• Coaching of people who are shielding is now permitted, provided it takes place outdoors and physical distancing and hygiene guidelines are strictly observed.

• Coaches who are shielding are not permitted to deliver at the current time.

• Organised outdoor sport specific activity can be undertaken by children and young people from the 13 July, with a phased implementation, subject to SGBs agreeing guidance with sportscotland covering the following areas;

o physical distancing. o health, safety & hygiene measures for children’s activity which should

be in line with guidance provided within this document.

o participant numbers and duration of organised activity should adhere to current Scottish Government guidance and also best practice for your sport in relation to age and ability.

o adult involvement and ratios.

For further information please refer to Return to Sport & Physical Activity Guidance

• Up to date guidance on extended households, physical distancing and travel is available at Scottish Government Guidance: Staying safe and protecting others .

• At all times coaches should:

• Adhere to the Scottish Government’s physical distancing guidelines of staying at least 2m away from others and ensure participants they are coaching do so too. No contact training should be undertaken unless in organised children’s activity as stipulated in the Return to Sport & Physical Activity Guidance.

• Plan appropriately for the session in advance, be aware of responsibilities, be clear on expectations with participants and build in a review period to reflect on effectiveness and safety of the session. A detailed document including checklists is available to support coaches at Getting Coaches Ready for Sport.

• Ensure signage on guidelines for participating safely and promoting hygiene measures are clearly displayed and up to date.

• Consult Scottish Governing Body guidance for the relevant sport or activity being delivered. This can be found at Covid-19 Scottish Governing Body Guidance. Where relevant, also check with your venue provider, such as a local authority/leisure trust or club to ensure you follow their specific guidance and processes.

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• Be aware of their responsibilities and that of their participants before, during and after each session.

• Check, in advance of delivery, that appropriate insurance policies are in place for all coached activities and that their insurance is valid for the activities they plan to deliver.

• Find out about their direct and surrounding delivery environment in advance of the session and contact the facility operator, where relevant, to confirm any changes in processes and procedure

• Ensure appropriate policies are in place in line with respective Scottish Governing Body and local authority or leisure trust regarding safeguarding best practice.

• Ensure they have an approach to activity that is feasible and safe to deliver.

• Coaches working with children should familiarise themselves with the additional considerations developed by Children 1st: Child Wellbeing and Protection Considerations

• Communication with members/customers

o Coaches should communicate clearly and regularly with participants setting out what they are doing to manage risk, and what advice they are giving to individuals before, during and after visits to the venue/activity.

o Communicate clearly opening times and how people can safely access a facility, if relevant, for example through a booking or queuing system.

o Ensure there is a process for cancellation should it be necessary.

• Health, Safety & Hygiene o Coaches should ensure they have access to first aid and emergency

equipment. Where equipment is stored indoors coaches should ensure public access to indoor areas is restricted as much as possible with hygiene and safety protocols reviewed as part of the risk assessment. Coaches should ensure that first aid equipment has been updated appropriately for the COVID pandemic and first aiders have appropriate training.

o When undertaking coaching the coach should ensure, where possible, that everyone involved avoids touching surfaces, sharing equipment and touching their mouth and face.

o Cleaning, hand, and respiratory hygiene are core measures and provision should be made for these. Clear guidance and plans are needed for cleaning of equipment and waste disposal. Toilets may be available if operators follow the guidelines outlined on the Scottish Government website Opening Public Toilets Guidelines. Please check with your venue operator in advance of your session

o Coaches should ensure hand sanitizers or wipes are available for use at entrance/exit to activity where possible and ask participants to bring their own hand sanitiser (Hand sanitiser should be at least 60% alcohol

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based and detergent wipes appropriate for the surface they are being used on)

o All appropriate cleaning procedures and equipment/disinfectant should be provided as per Health Protection Scotland guidance. Cleaning products should conform to EN14476 standards.

o A checklist for health, hygiene and cleaning considerations and actions is available here: Getting your Facilities Fit for Sport

o Further guidance is available at;

o Health Protection Scotland: General guidance for non-healthcare settings

o Health Protection Scotland: Cleaning in a non-healthcare setting o Health Protection Scotland: Hand hygiene techniques

o Health and Safety Executive: First aid during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

o St. John's Ambulance: Covid-19 advice for first aiders

• Equipment provision & use

o Participants should bring their own equipment where possible, including water bottles, towels and sport specific items. They should arrive in the appropriate clothing for the session as no changing will be available.

o Where shared equipment is necessary for an activity appropriate hygiene measures must be put in place to ensure the equipment is thoroughly cleaned before, during and after use.

o No personal equipment should be left at a facility by a coach or participant once the activity has ended.

• Bookings and payment

o Online bookings should be taken if possible. If not, alterative measures should be put in place including phone bookings.

o Where possible and in line with Data Protection regulations, a register of users should be kept in case there is a need to track and trace. Please follow any guidance provided by your employer or venue operator.

o Consider introducing buffer periods between sessions to stagger start times so that participants do not all arrive/leave at the same time.

o Where possible use online or contactless payment options and avoid handling cash.

• Workers, venue operators and clubs must ensure that they follow all relevant workplace guidance for contractors and staff and that existing health and safety advice is maintained and aligned. This should be detailed in the documented risk assessment.

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3.6 FACTS Guidance Please follow the FACTS Guidance given below from Friday 10 July 2020

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4.0 Disclaimer When referring to any documents and associated attachments in this guidance, please note the following:

1. Reliance upon the guidance or use of the content of this website will constitute your acceptance of these conditions.

2. The term guidance should be taken to imply the standards and best practice solutions that are acceptable to Scottish Swimming.

3. The documents and any associated drawing material are intended for information only.

4. Amendments, alterations and updates of documents and drawings may take place from time to time and it's recommended that they are reviewed at the time of use to ensure the most up to-date versions are being referred to.

5. All downloadable drawings, images and photographs are intended solely to illustrate how elements of a facility can apply Scottish Swimming’s suggestions and should be read in conjunction with any relevant design guidance, British and European Standards, Health and Safety Legislation and guidance, building regulations, planning and the principles of the Equality Act 2010.

6. The drawings are not ‘site specific’ and are outline proposals. They are not intended for, and should not be used in conjunction with, the procurement of building work, construction, obtaining statutory approvals, or any other services in connection with building works.

7. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy of all information, Scottish Swimming and its agents, including all parties who have made contributions to any documents or downloadable drawings, shall not be held responsible or be held liable to any third parties in respect of any loss, damage or costs of any nature arising directly or indirectly from reliance placed on this information without prejudice.

8. The views expressed are not intended to take away or diminish the responsibility of the user to comply with appropriate current or future legislation or standards and if there are any conflicts between the views expressed in any of sportscotland design guidance material and other appropriate current or future legislation, the latter shall take precedence.

This guidance is provided for general information only. Scottish Swimming is not your adviser and any reliance you may place on this guidance is at your own risk. Neither Scottish Swimming, nor any contributor to the content of this guidance, shall be responsible for any loss or damage of any kind, which may arise from your use of or reliance on this guidance. Care has been taken over the accuracy of the content of this note but Scottish Swimming cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or reflects all relevant legal requirements. The information and drawings contained in this guidance note are not site specific and therefore may not be suitable for your project, facility or event. We recommend that you obtain professional specialist technical and legal advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of information contained in this note. This guidance is not intended for, and should not be used in connection with, any procurement activities, or for obtaining planning or other statutory approvals.